Qualcomm's chips bring 4G connectivity to dumb phones

Samsung Conquer 4G set to raid Sprint on August 21st for $100 on contract

We've known about the Conquer 4G for a while now, in spite attempts to keep it under wraps. Sprint finally came clean on the existence of the handset today, announcing the milestone 25th 4G capable device for the its network -- the first in that category to hit the market at under $100. The Samsung-manufactured smartphone will hit the market on August 21st for $99.99 (plus a two-year year contract and after mail-in rebate, naturally). The Gingerbread handset packs a 1GHz processor, a 3.5-inch display, and front and rear-facing cameras. Press after the break.

Gallery: Sprint Conquer 4G press photos | 3 Photos

Sprint Makes it More Affordable to Experience 4G with the Aug. 21 Availability of Samsung Conquer 4G

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., and Dallas – Aug. 5, 2011 – As the first national wireless carrier to launch the groundbreaking data speeds of 4G, Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced with Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States1, Samsung Conquer™ 4G2. The launch of Samsung Conquer 4G, Sprint's 25th 4G-capable device, marks Sprint's first 4G smartphone to launch at less than $100 enabling Sprint customers to experience industry-leading features without breaking the bank.

Samsung Conquer 4G will cost just $99.99 with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade and after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card3 (pricing excludes taxes). It will be available in all Sprint retail channels, including Web sales (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-Sprint1), beginning on Aug. 21. Visit Sprint Community for more information.

"The price of Samsung Conquer 4G makes Sprint's 4G speeds accessible to more customers than ever," said Fared Adib, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. "We are proud to deliver this dynamic device at a great value without sacrificing must-have technology. Our customers can really do more for less when this ultra-affordable 4G device is paired with the great value of our unlimited data calling plans."

Samsung Conquer 4G is built on Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread, powered by a 1GHz processor and offers Sprint ID and the blazing-fast Sprint 4G speeds on America's Favorite 4G Network4. It features an enhanced 3.5-inch touchscreen, 3.2-megapixel rear-facing camera with flash and zoom and 1.3-megapixel front facing camera enabling video chat while on-the-go. Other key features include:

"Samsung Conquer 4G delivers the latest Android experience with best-in-class features, including a fast 1GHz processor, dual cameras for video chat and 4G network speeds, at an exceptional value," said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. "Conquer 4G continues Samsung's commitment to delivering a quality smartphone experience at a variety of price points."

Sprint ID delivers a variety of apps, widgets, shortcuts, ringtones and wallpapers designed to meet users' specific mobile needs and interests in just a few simple clicks. Sprint ID packs are free to download with an Everything Data plan and users can download five at once – including E! (keep up with your favorite celebrities), Green (tips to live a greener lifestyle), MTV Music ID (mobile music experience), and Socially Connected (keep connected with friends on-the-go). To see all Sprint ID packs, visit www.sprint.com/sprintid.

Samsung Conquer 4G requires activation on one of the Sprint Everything Data plans plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint's Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month vs. Verizon's comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB Web, or $9.99 per month vs. Verizon's 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB Web. The Mobile Hotspot option is available for an additional $29.99 per month supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously (pricing excludes taxes and surcharges).